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The economics of bootstrapping space industries - Development of an analytic computer modelA simple economic model of 'bootstrapping' industrial growth in space and on the Moon is presented. An initial space manufacturing facility (SMF) is assumed to consume lunar materials to enlarge the productive capacity in space. After reaching a predetermined throughput, the enlarged SMF is devoted to products which generate revenue continuously in proportion to the accumulated output mass (such as space solar power stations). Present discounted value and physical estimates for the general factors of production (transport, capital efficiency, labor, etc.) are combined to explore optimum growth in terms of maximized discounted revenues. It is found that 'bootstrapping' reduces the fractional cost to a space industry of transport off-Earth, permits more efficient use of a given transport fleet. It is concluded that more attention should be given to structuring 'bootstrapping' scenarios in which 'learning while doing' can be more fully incorporated in program analysis.
Document ID
19820048836
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Goldberg, A. H.
(Lunar and Planetary Institute Houston, TX, United States)
Criswell, D. R.
(California, University La Jolla, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Space Solar Power Review
Volume: 3
Issue: 1, 19
Subject Category
Economics And Cost Analysis
Accession Number
82A32371
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSR-09-051-001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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